Pot not what it seemed: Customs seizes 3.5 kilograms of methamphetamine

The man arrived on a flight from Shanghai, China, on Saturday (27 September 2025) and was referred to Customs officers for further questioning and a search of his baggage. 

Customs officers searched the suitcase, which contained cooking utensils, food, and other personal effects. During the search, an officer noticed the unusual weight of one of the pots, which appeared to have been tampered with. 

An x-ray revealed inconsistencies around the lining of the pot. Customs officers drilled into the bottom, uncovering a white crystal substance that tested positive for methamphetamine.

The man was arrested and charged with the importation of a Class A controlled drug.

The approximate weight of the methamphetamine was 3.5 kilograms, equalling 100,000 doses, with a potential street value of up to NZ$1 million. This seizure is estimated to have prevented up to NZ$3.7 million in harm to New Zealand communities and the economy.

Customs Manager Auckland Airport, Paul Williams, said thanks to the expertise of our frontline officers, the methamphetamine was intercepted before it could reach our communities.

“Our officers demonstrated outstanding attention to detail in identifying this concealment. What appeared to be an ordinary cooking pot was, in fact, a vessel for significant harm. We urge passengers to exercise caution and never carry items on behalf of others unless they are certain of the contents.”